Obama criticizes MI right-to-work bills

Associated Press

By BEN FELLER AP White House Correspondent

Updated: Dec 10, 2012 6:22 PM

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama says right-to-work legislation in Michigan is more about politics than economics. He is criticizing a measure that would prevent requiring non-union employees to financially support unions at their workplace.

Obama received loud applause at a Michigan engine plant when he said we shouldn't be "taking away your rights to bargain for better wages and working conditions."

The president says that the right-to-work bills are more about "giving you the right to work for less money."

The Michigan House and Senate approved the legislation last week. Democrats have urged Republican Gov. Rick Snyder to veto the measure that he has pledged to sign.

Earlier, Snyder and others greeted Obama as he landed at Detroit Metropolitan Airport.

The Republican-controlled Legislature is expected to take final action on the bills as early as Tuesday.

In an address that followed his tour of the Daimler Detroit Diesle plant in Wayne County, Obama said Michigan autoworkers would take a big hit if an automatic tax increase takes effect next month.

Before getting down to the business of promoting his drive for congressional Republicans' acceptance of his tax overhaul plan, Obama joked about the woes his hometown Chicago Bears share with their NFL rivals, the Detroit Lions.

Both teams lost Sunday.

Obama also praised a $100 million investment at the plant that was announced during his visit while criticizing Michigan Republicans' push for right-to-work legislation.

On the Net:

The Michigan Right-to-Work bills:

House Bill 4003

House Bill 4054

Senate Bill 116

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